Internationally recognised seafood festival returns to English Riviera
A 10-day celebration of seafood gets underway today
Last updated 30th Sep 2022
A celebration of the world-renowned local seafood on the English Riviera starts today with events hosted by eateries across Torquay, Paignton & Brixham.
Visitors will be able to take their pick from seafood set menus and platters, tasting menus, crab cracking masterclasses, paella and collaboration events.
As a feast for all the senses, this year you can go wild sea swimming, stand up paddleboarding and on nature walks with local experts before devouring sensational local seafood.
Previous events have attracted people from across Europe and as far a field as America - helping to boost the local economy.
The festival aims to both promote Torbay to visitors and encourage locals to make better use of what's on their doorstep.
The Feast dovetails with British Food Fortnight, a celebration of the delicious food readily available across Britain as a result of the culinary renaissance that has swept the country in recent years and National Seafood Month in October.
At the heart of the Feast is Brixham Fish Market, where England’s biggest catch by value is landed; over 40 species of fish and shellfish are regularly sold at the daily auction. During the Feast there will be tours of the market taking place at 6am.
Mitch Tonks, restaurateur and owner of Rockfish, said “The world of seafood can be a bit of a mystery sometimes, we often stick to the things we know. Our Seafood Coast in England has the most amazing range of species caught and landed in our waters by our fishermen. The Feast is a really fantastic couple of weeks showcasing all of that, people can visit and try so many different things. It really is feasting; feasting on all the variety, going from place to place and trying something different, it’s like a seafood trail. I suggest getting your map out early and planning where to go and what to eat, time to feast!”
Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant, said “South Devon has an abundance of fantastic produce and I honestly can’t think of anywhere better in the UK for local sourcing. It’s a pleasure to support the local coastline with England’s Seafood FEAST and I’m really looking forward to being involved again this year.”
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, said “We are delighted to be hosting the return of England’s Seafood FEAST, which will once again showcase the fantastic local fish and shellfish we have on our doorstep and the passion and talent of our many local fishermen and chefs – the ‘Faces of the Feast’.” The programme can be found on www.theseafoodfeast.co.uk – events are being added regularly, so keep checking back for more information and book direct with the local businesses taking part."